South Dakota drivers can learn essential, safe driving skills from defensive driving courses and may even qualify for a discount on auto insurance premiums. However, South Dakota does not typically allow drivers to take defensive driving to dismiss a traffic ticket or reduce driving record points.
Defensive Driving Courses in South Dakota
In South Dakota, when drivers are issued a traffic violation, each offense will add points to their driving record. Earn 15 points in 12 months or 22 points in 24 months, and you may face a driver’s license suspension. While South Dakota will not allow you to reduce the issues on your driving record with defensive driving, it may be a good idea to enroll yourself in the course voluntarily, as defensive driving courses can teach you essential skills for safe driving as well as a review of current traffic laws in South Dakota.
Courts in South Dakota do not typically grant ticket dismissals for drivers who have completed defensive driving courses. Still, you can always ask the court or judge handling your ticket to find out if you’re eligible to do so.
South Dakota Defensive Driving Course Eligibility
Defensive driving courses are primarily offered voluntarily in South Dakota; check with the South Dakota DMV for details. That means that while you’re not likely to be able to use defensive driving to reduce driver’s license points or dismiss a traffic ticket, you also don’t have to meet requirements to be able to take the course.
South Dakota Traffic Ticket Dismissal with Defensive Driving
Generally, South Dakota courts do not allow for a traffic ticket dismissal for defensive driving. However, you can ask that your case be considered dismissal, and your request may be honored. If you’re able to do so, be sure to follow all of the court’s requirements to ensure that you’ll be able to successfully have your traffic ticket dismissed.
Defensive Driving Courses Available in South Dakota
South Dakota’s defensive driving course is an excellent resource for becoming a safer driver. You’ll learn how to improve your driving skills, reduce your risk of accidents, and avoid traffic tickets.
South Dakota’s defensive driving course is usually about four hours long. Most providers offer the course in person in the classroom, or online. The course can be completed in a single day, though some schools will allow you to take the course over multiple days. If you’re completing the course online, you will likely be able to log in and log out as needed.
Your defensive driving curriculum will vary depending on your school, but typically, you can expect to learn about the following topics in your South Dakota defensive driving course:
- avoiding collisions
- driver behavior and attitudes
- techniques for defensive driving
- recognizing hazards on the road
- protecting occupants
- safely maintaining your vehicle
- avoiding risky driving situations such as drunk driving, texting while driving, and road rage
- dealing with the fatigue and drowsy driving
- responding to emergencies on the road
- updates on South Dakota’s traffic laws and regulations
Defensive Driving for Car Insurance Discounts in South Dakota
Often, South Dakota insurance companies will offer a defensive driving discount to drivers who have completed the defensive driving course. That means even if you don’t have a problem with driving, it’s always a good idea to improve your knowledge as a driver by enrolling in defensive driving.
South Dakota Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts
Completing a defensive driving course in South Dakota could save you hundreds on your auto insurance liability premiums. Most insurance companies will offer their policyholders a discount between 5% and 20%, with the typical discount around 10%.
South Dakota Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Eligibility
South Dakota does not place any restrictions on eligibility for drivers seeking a defensive driving discount. That means potentially all drivers may qualify, depending on insurance company policies. Some insurance companies will only offer mature or teenage drivers discounts, but all drivers may be eligible. It’s best to contact your insurance company directly to find out if they can provide you with a discount for completing a defensive driving course, and if they don’t, consider shopping around to find an insurance company that does offer the discount.
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Insurance Defensive Driving Courses Available in South Dakota
Take South Dakota’s insurance rate reduction defensive driving course, and you’ll be provided with the education you need to develop better driving skills and become a safer driver. This can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident and teach you how to avoid traffic violations resulting in a ticket or worse. While the curriculum may vary depending on your school, you’re likely to learn about the following topics in a South Dakota defensive driving course:
- avoiding accidents and collisions
- safe driving habits such as observing following proper distance, safe passing techniques, and maintaining a safe speed
- the dangers of distracted driving, including texting while driving
- the influence of alcohol on driving safely
- the danger of drowsy driving
- identifying road rage and aggressive driving
- following South Dakota’s traffic laws and regulations
Enroll in a South Dakota Defensive Driving Course
Ready to improve your safety behind the wheel — and possibly earn a discount on your auto insurance rates? Find a defensive driving school in our directory to get started today!